Post 2- Gender Roles, Subject, and Power

Women of a lower class status were known to have occupations as maids and sewers. The narrative of The Bayeux Tapestry’s Aelfgya and the Cleric shows that “It’s actors are military heroes, its subtexts concerns loyalty, bravery, treachery, and male bonding through oath taking and military action… but it is worth noting that the work’s structure and language displaced women from power.” (Chadwick 48). Women were capable of obtaining the highly respected role within the church and other political values. In which case women were seen to just be the wives of their husbands and mothers to their children. Over time women began to work not only as maids, but showing their artwork to the community. Since the church was the most important political and religious aspect for the 15th century, the art was seen as prestige and not many were credited for their works. Due to this, it allows value for the women artists that were finally obtaining credit for their works: "For once, male artists are as forgotten as females." (Guerrilla Girl's 20)

Aelfgyva and the Clergic - The Bayeux Tapestry 1086

The change in what was seen as the norm provides hope for women artists. The middle ages had a set of 'rules': "What women who weren't nuns could and couldn't do in the Middle Ages." (Guerrilla Girl's 22). The list provides that the woman must be faithful to her husband. However, in the event that she couldn't bear children, the husband is allowed to divorce her. 

Even during the Renaissance time period women artists would create art that showcases their power. In Judith Leyster's "The Proposition," we see a man offering a woman cash. The uncertainty of whether he is asking for her hand in marriage or for prostitution creates the conversation as she is ignoring his request. Instead she continues to sew along to the candle light. The woman's refusal, or merely ignoring him to focus on her work, shows that she has more to offer than just her body. She is busy with her work and refuses to stop for a man's request of her time, affection, and attention. The man touching her shoulder while her body is turned away provides a suspense as to how the man may react to the rejection.

Judith Leyster, Man Offering Money to a Woman (The Proposition), 1631

Women are still overcoming and challenging what was known as a "norm" in society as we know it, as well as over the times of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The hardships women have endured allowed for rights such as voting and the ability to leave a marriage, giving back the power women rightfully own. Women's artwork is moving towards the public from the Renaissance to the 19th century to even today's day and age.  Women are using their freedom to perform acts that deem fit for themselves. 

Chadwick, Whitney. Women, Art, and Society. New York, NY: Thames and Hudson, 2002.

The Guerrilla Girls' Bedside Companion to the History of Western Art. New York: Penguin, 1998. Print.